A determined mother and daughter are taking on an extraordinary challenge to give back to the hospital that transformed their lives.
Jeanette Winyard, 61, who had her leg amputated last year after being diagnosed with cancer, will walk 2.62 miles of the London Marathon while her daughter, Georgia, 25, takes on the full 26.2-mile race on Sunday, April 27. Their efforts will raise funds for the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) in Stanmore.
Jeanette was first diagnosed with muscular sarcoma in 2000. She endured surgery and radiotherapy, followed by several relapses.
Then in 2023, Jeanette was diagnosed with an aggressive osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.
Doctors at RNOH determined that the best course of action was an above-knee amputation. The surgery took place in February 2024, just days before Georgia moved to New Zealand for work.
Jeanette even spent her 60th birthday in hospital, but thanks to the team at RNOH, she was discharged just eight days later – making it home in time to say goodbye to Georgia before her big move.
After the amputation, Jeanette faced months of chemotherapy. But in May, she was given a life-changing opportunity – a place in a trial for a prosthetic leg with an adjustable socket.
Now, less than a year after learning to walk again, Jeanette is taking on an inspirational challenge with Georgia. As Georgia runs the London Marathon, Jeanette will push herself to walk 10 per cent of the same distance – 2.62 miles.
Jeanette said: “The staff at Stanmore have been amazing, from helping me when I broke my leg to giving me confidence with my walking. I’m lucky to have access to their care.”
The duo are raising funds to support ongoing cancer treatment and rehabilitation services at RNOH. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/team/georgia-and-jeanettes-team
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